Infection intensity of gastrointestinal nematodosis and coccidiosis of sheep raised under three types of feeding and management regims in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China

By using faecal egg counting, larvae culturing, coccidian oocysts identifying, the present study was conducted to determine infection intensity of nematodosis and coccidosis of young sheep (6–12 months) raised under three types of feeding and management regims namely, confinement system (2 farms, n = 30), semiconfinement system (2 farms, n = 30) and grazing system (2 farms, n = 30) in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (NHAR) in China. The mean egg counts of gastrointestinal nematodes were zero in confinement system, 63 EPG in semiconfinement system and 263 EPG in grazing system, while the mean coccidian oocyst counts (oocysts per gram of faeces, OPG) of each regim were 3784, 1713 and 687, respectively. Gastrointestinal parasite loads of sheep were attributed to low EPG (zero EPG) in confinement, moderate EPG in semiconfinement and high EPG in grazing regim, respectively, which in turn resulted in high OPG in confinement, moderate OPG in semiconfinement and low OPG in grazing regim, respectively. The infection rate of nematodes of sheep was zero in confinement, 43.33% in semiconfinement and 96.67% in grazing regim, while the infection rate of coccidia was 100%, 96.67% and 86.67%, respectively. The nematodes of sheep in grazing regim were, in the order of prevalence: Ostertagia (Teladorsagia) (80.00%), Marshallagia (66.67%), Nematodirus (63.33%), Trichostrongylus (43.33%), Haemonchus contortus (43.33%), and Chabertia (16.67%), while in semiconfinement regim were, in the same order of prevalence: 43.33%, 10.00%, 40.00%, 20%, 20% and 0%, respectively. Seven species of Eimeria were recognized in the three management regims. Their prevalence rates were E. parva (85.56%), E. ahsata (70.00%), E. ovinoidalis (34.44%), E. intricata (21.11%), E. crandallis (20.00%), E. granulosa (18.89%), and E. faurei (5.56%). These results may provide a further understanding of the factors associated with parasite epizootiology under different feeding and management regims.     

Concurrence of Eimeria and helminth parasitic infections in West African Dwarf kids in Ghana

The sequence of appearance of Eimeria and helminths, in 20 West African Dwarf kids from birth and the pattern of oocyst and strongyle worm egg output for 1.5 years are described. Eimeria oocysts appeared early about 20 days after birth and oocyst output in some kids reached 2.7 million oocysts per gram (opg) of faeces about 39 days after birth and showed a group mean oocyst output of 443,540 opg in the second month but this declined further to 23,840 opg after 5.5 months. Eimeria arloingi (20.50%), Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae (17.02%), Eimeria alijevi (15.07%), Eimeria caprina (12.65%), Eimeria jolchijevi (11.42%), Eimeria apsheronica (8.70%), Eimeria pallida (5.31%), Eimeria caprovina (3.29%), Eimeria hirci (3.20%) and Eimeria christenseni (2.84%) were seen in a descending order of prevalence. Strongyle worm ova were seen 53 days after birth and peaked soon after the fall in Eimeria oocyst output but thereafter fluctuated. The eggs of cestode, Moniezia spp. appeared later but was transient. Both oocyst and worm egg output declined and were almost absent when the kids were about 1 year old. Faecal larval cultures were made and the L₃s identified with the dominant ones being Haemonchus spp. and Trichostrongylus spp. Sixty percent of the kids in this study died when they were 7 months old and a total of 70% of the kids had died before they were 1 year old.     

Coccidia of the domestic goat (Capra hircus) in Saudi Arabia.

Faeces of 228 domestic goats (Capra hircus) from the central region of Saudi Arabia were examined for the presence of coccidian oocysts. Ten species of coccidia were identified and described. A total of 90.3% of the specimens were positive, most of them contained 100-1000 oocysts per g of faecal sample. Kids less than 1 year old had higher oocyst counts than goatlings or adult goats. Mixed infections with three to five species were found in 69.7% of the specimens and six to eight species were found in 10.1%. Eimeria arloingi and E. hirci were most prevalent. E. alijevi, E. ninakohlyakimovae, E. caprina, E. christenseni and E. apsheronica were less common. E. jolchijevi, E. caprovina and E. punctata were relatively rare.     

Coproparasitological examinations and molecular determination of Eimeria species in Madura cattle reared on Madura Island,Indonesia

Madura cattle, which are native to Indonesia and mainly kept on Madura Island, East Java, are expected to contribute to improving the regional meat self-sufficiency. Eimeria spp. are the most pathogenic protozoans among gastrointestinal parasites in livestock but no molecular surveys of Eimeria spp. in Madura cattle have been conducted to date. In this study, a total of 183 fecal samples were collected from Madura cattle and 60 (32.8%) were positive for parasites of protozoans and nematodes by the sugar floatation method. Among the samples with parasites, Eimeria spp. oocysts were detected in 50 samples (27.3%) with an average OPG value of 1686.1. Eimeria spp. were successfully identified to the species level in 26 samples with Eimeria bovis being the most prevalent, followed by E. zuernii and E. aubrunensis. A total of 21 samples showed mixed infection of more than two species of Eimeria. E. bovis and E. zuernii have been recognized as having high virulency and, thus, these parasites are potential sources of severe coccidiosis and the cause of infections in other cattle. Although additional studies are warranted, these results can be helpful for improving the management and productivity of Madura cattle.     

Correlation between intestinal health and coccidiosis prevalence in broilers in Brazilian agroindustries

Coccidiosis is caused by protozoa of the genus Eimeria. These are intracellular parasites of enterocytes that rupture the host cell, causing lesions in the intestinal mucosa. The lesions caused by Eimeria reduce nutrient absorption capacity, negatively affecting productive gains in broilers, and representing a gateway for other enteropathogens. The objective of this study was to analyze the correlation between lesions caused by Eimeria and the prevalence of coccidiosis and other alterations found in the gastrointestinal tracts of broilers produced in Brazil from 2017 to 2018. Intestinal health evaluations were performed in 32 integrations (farm) of broilers in Brazil, totaling 726 birds analyzed between the ages of 22 and 40 days. Necropsied chickens were collected at three different points, with at least three birds per shed. We analyzed the following changes in the gastrointestinal tract: presence of cellular desquamation, fluid and mucus excess, ingestion of bedding, small and large intestine lesion, food passage, altered tone, “Turkish towel” lesions, worm infection, enteritis and gizzard erosion. The definition of macroscopic lesion scores caused by Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima, Eimeria tenella followed a specific methodology. Mucosal oocyst counts for E. maxima (E. maxima micro) was performed using an optical microscope with a magnification of 100×. We found that the species E. acervulina had the highest prevalence (5.5%). With respect to E. acervulina, a positive correlation was observed with cellular desquamation, bedding ingestion and passage of food. The second highest prevalence was E. maxima (average of 4%), showing positive correlations with cellular desquamation, fluid excess, bed ingestion, feed passage and E. acervulina. E. tenella represented the lowest prevalence (0.8%) among the species of Eimeria analyzed, showing a positive correlation with altered intestinal tone. On microscopic evaluation, E. maxima was present in 45% of mucosa scrapings, representing subclinical coccidiosis of 1125% (11.25-fold) greater than the rate of clinical coccidiosis. Regarding other alterations that were visualized in the gastrointestinal tract, we have recorded the incidence of altered intestinal tone (0.1%), worm infection (0.4%), small intestine (0.8%), enteritis (1%), duodenitis (1.5%), “Turkish towel” lesions (3.3%), excess fluid (4.5%), bed ingestion (6.9%), excess mucus (8.4%), food passage (10.3%), cellular desquamation (11%) and gizzard erosion (13.4%). We conclude that monitoring is of paramount importance to understand the intestinal health status of poultry lots. Microscopic E. maxima is present in 45%. We identified factors that correlate with reduction in intestinal health, impairing zoo-economic performance.     

Anticoccidial Activity of Berberine against Eimeria-Infected Chickens

Avian coccidiosis has a major economic impact on the poultry industry, it is caused by 7 species of Eimeria, and has been primarily controlled using chemotherapeutic agents. Due to the emergence of drug-resistant strains, alternative control strategies are needed. We assessed anticoccidial effects of berberine-based diets in broiler chickens following oral infection with 5 Eimeria species (E. acervulina, E. maxima, E. tenella, E. mitis, and E. praecox). When 0.2% berberine, a concentration that does not affect weight gain, was added to the diet, the 4 groups infected with E. acervulina, E. tenella, E. mitis, or E. praecox showed significant reductions in fecal oocyst shedding (P<0.05) compared to their respective infected and untreated controls. In chickens treated 0.5% berberine instead of 0.2% and infected with E. maxima, fecal oocyst production was significantly reduced, but body weight deceased, indicating that berberine treatment was not useful for E. maxima infection. Taken together, these results illustrate the applicability of berberine for prophylactic use to control most Eimeria infections except E. maxima. Further studies on the mechanisms underlying the differences in anticoccidial susceptibility to berberine, particularly E. maxima, are remained.     

Attempted Cross-Transmission of Coccidia Between Sheep and Goats and Description of Eimeria ovinoidalis sp. n.

SYNOPSIS.
Attempted infection of 2 young lambs with oocysts of Eimeria christenseni from a goat was unsuccessful. Negative results were obtained also when young kids were fed oocysts of Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae from sheep. There was no difficulty in infecting lambs with the sheep coccidium resembling E. ninakohlyakimovae nor goats with the goat coccidium E. christenseni. Oocysts from the goat measured 38.4 × 26.7 m, but were easily distinguished from Eimeria ahsata from the sheep by sporocyst size and shape, and from Eimeria ovina by oocyst size. Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae -like oocysts from sheep averaged 23.0 ×18.2 m and were morphologically indistinguishable from previously reported goat coccidia.
Since no cross infections of sheep and goats could be accomplished with oocysts of Eimeria sp. characteristic of one or the other host, I concluded that sheep coccidia previously known as E. ninakohlyakimovae are distinct from morphologically similar goat coccidia and therefore constitute a separate species. Since the name E. ninakohlyakimovae was first used for coccidia from the goat, the sheep coccidium is renamed Eimeria ovinoidalis with oocyst structure and endogenous stages similar to those previously described from the sheep.     

Eimeria lipura and E. landersi n. spp. (Protozoa,Eimeriidae) from the Long-tailed Porcupine Trichys lipura Günther, 1876 in Malaysia1

SYNOPSIS. Oocysts of 2 new species of Eimeria are described from the long-tailed porcupine Trichys lipura. The ovoid, 2-layered oocysts of E. lipura average 33.1 by 24.4 μ. A micropyle and polar granules are present; an oocyst residuum is absent. Ovoid sporocysts average 10.9 by 9.3 μ. A sporcyst residuum is present; Stieda body is absent. The subspherical, 3-layered oocyst of E. landersi averages 25.2 by 24.2 μ. An oocyst residuum is absent; a polar granule is present. Ovoid sporocysts average 11.7 by 7.9 μ. A sporcysts residuum is present; a Stieda body is absent.     

Effects of a reputed immunostimulant on the innate immune system of goat kids

Forty newborn Majorera goats were randomly assigned to one of two groups. On the first day of life, the kids were fed atomized colostrum. The kids were subsequently fed a milk replacer (16% w/v) twice a day. The experimental group received two intramuscular doses of a reputed immunostimulant composed of a Propionibacterium acnes extract, Ochrobactrum intermedium lipopolysaccharides, and Proclin^® at 10 and 40 days of age, whereas, the control group received two doses of saline solution. Blood samples were collected weekly from kids age 10 to 66 days postpartum to measure the total and differential white blood cell counts, the plasma IgG, IgA, and IgM levels, and the activities of the total and the alternative complement systems. The white blood cell and the differential cell counts were the same for both groups. No statistical differences were found for the plasma IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations. Complement system activity was undetectable in both groups. Summarizing, the reputed immunostimulant did not affect the immune system of goats. Thus, veterinarians should carefully consider whether it is prudent to recommended this kind of product, because while it increases farmers’ expenses it apparently does not improve the state of the innate immune system of the neonatal goat.     

Attempted cross-transmission of coccidia between sheep and goats and description of Eimeria ovinoidalis sp. n.

Attempted infection of 2 young lambs with oocysts of Eimeria christenseni from a goat was unsuccessful. Negative results were obtained also when young kids were fed oocysts of Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae from sheep. There was no difficulty in infecting lambs with the sheep coccidium resembling E. ninakohlyakimovae nor goats with the goat coccidium E. christenseni. Oocysts from the goat measured 38.4 X 26.7 microns, but were easily distinguished from Eimeria ahsata from the sheep by sporocyst size and shape, and from Eimeria ovina by oocyst size. Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae-like oocysts from sheep averaged 23.0 X 18.2 microns and were morphologically indistinguishable from previously reported goat coccidia. Since no cross infections of sheep and goats could be accomplished with oocysts of Eimeria sp. characteristic of one or the other host, I concluded that sheep coccidia previously known as E. ninakohlykimovae are distinct from morphologically similar goat coccidia and therefore constitute a separate species. Since the name E. ninakohlyakimovae was first used for coccidia from the goat, the sheep coccidium is renamed Eimeria ovinoidalis with oocyst structure and endogenous stages similar to those previously described from the sheep.     

Relative abilities of young sheep and goats to self-medicate with tannin-rich sainfoin when infected with gastrointestinal nematodes

Plant secondary metabolites (PSM) are one of the promising options to control gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep and goats. The objective of this study was to assess the abilities of sheep and goats to self-medicate with tannin-rich sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) (SF) when infected with gastrointestinal nematodes, using a cafeteria and an operant conditioning trial. Hypotheses were that parasitized (P) lambs and goat kids would show greater intake and preference for SF than their non-parasitized (NP) counterparts, that kids would eat more SF than lambs (due to their lower resistance against parasites and their greater ability to consume PSM), and that SF intake would increase over time for P animals. We used 20 female kids and 20 ewe lambs aged 3 months. Half of the animals per species (n = 10) were experimentally infected with 170 L₃ larvae of Haemonchus contortus/kg of BW (P). The other half were free from parasites throughout the study (NP). Five weeks after infection, animals were exposed to a 24-day cafeteria trial (three 8-day periods) offering a free choice between two legume pellets: SF (3.8% condensed tannins) and alfalfa (ALF, Medicago sativa; no tannin). Subsequently, animals were involved in an operant conditioning trial of two 4-day long sessions, to assess in short-term tests their motivation to walk for a SF reward when offered in choice with freely available ALF. In the cafeteria trial, SF preference was greater in kids than in lambs, particularly in the first two periods. We did not observe a greater preference for SF in P animals, which was even greater in NP animals for periods 1 and 2. Sainfoin intake increased through periods for P animals, which led to similar SF preferences for all groups during period 3. In the operant-conditioning trial, motivation to get the SF reward was similar between P and NP animals. These results support the hypotheses that goats are more willing to consume tanniferous feeds than sheep, and that P animals increased SF intake through time. However, the emergence of a curative self-medicative behaviour was not supported, as P individuals did not show greater SF intake, preference, nor a greater motivation to get SF than NP animals, regardless of animal species. These findings are discussed with previous results and some explanations are presented.     

Quantitative Data on Four Species of Eimeria in Eastern Chipmunks and Red Squirrels*

SYNOPSIS. Total counts of Eimeria vilasi and E. wisconsinensis oocysts in 0.05 g fecal samples from the eastern chipmunk over a 2-year period indicated that the 2 species had respective occurrences of 100% and 11% and an actual abundance ratio of 35 to 1. In the red squirrel similar counts of E. tamiasciuri and E. toddi over a 3-year period indicated occurrences of 98% and 6% and an actual abundance ratio of 26 to 1, respectively. These results parallel a similar dichotomy in percent occurrence of 7 Eimeria in the sciurid genera Cynomys and Marmota.     

Host and Parasite Interactions During Single and Concurrent Infections with Eimeria nieschulzi and E. separata in the Rat1

SYNOPSIS. Some effects of 2 species of Eimeria in the rat were studied in single and concurrent infections. Groups included singly infected E. nieschulzi and E. separata controls (15 rats each) and 4 groups of 5 rats each infected with E. separata (shorter life cycle) at different days of an established E. nieschulzi infection. Experiments were conducted using inoculations of approximately 3,000, 5,000, and 7,000 sporulated oocysts of each species. Hosts showed consistently poor weight gain on day 3 postinoculation (PI) in E. separata infections and usually showed weight loss on days 7 and/or 8 PI in E. nieschulzi infections. Spleen weights indicated that the hosts responded immunologically to both parasites. Small intestine weights increased during E. nieschulzi infections as did cecum-colon weights during E. separata infections. In severe infections both species seemed to cause pathologic change in tissues at a distance from the site of endogenous development. Fecal collections were made at 24-hr intervals from the time of 1st inoculation till the end of patency. Patency usually began on day 7 PI for E. nieschulzi and on day 4 PI for E. separata with oocyst discharge peaking on days 8 and 5, respectively. In 2 instances, a biphasic pattern of oocyst discharge was found for E. separata during concurrent infections. The occurrence of interspecific interactions was indicated by an increased discharge of oocysts of E. separata, including those with the ability to sporulate, in doubly-infected animals as compared with those in singly-infected controls. It was suggested that the increased oocyst discharges may have resulted from additional production of merozoites during schizogony. Concurrent infections weakened the host more than single infections and this seemingly allowed more multiplication of the parasites.     

Eimeria utahensis sp. n. from Kangaroo Rats (Dipodomys ordii and D. microps) in Northwestern Utah*

SYNOPSIS. The sporulated oocysts of Eimeria utahensis sp. n. from 2 species of kangaroo rats in northwestern Utah are described. The oocysts averaged 42.0 by 39.3 μ, and had rough, yellow-brown walls, about 3 μ thick. In each sporocyst, a substiedal body was seen beneath the Stieda body; this is the 1st report of such a structure in any Eimeria species. E. utahensis was found in 3.6% of 196 Dipodomys ordii and 19.4% of 36 D. microps. The incidence was higher in young adult than in adult Ord kangaroo rats and lowest in juveniles; in D. microps only adults were infected. The mean prepatent period was 9.8 days. The patent period could not be determined because of apparent reinfections; there was no evidence of immunity.     

Case study: Pathological and phylogenetic analysis of coccidiosis in two goats with heavy infection of unrecorded Eimeria sp.

Two 3-month-old goats (Capra aegagrus hircus and C. hircus coreanae) died after ataxia. In both goats, white nodules 3 mm in diameter were scattered from the duodenum to the ileum and well-raised white nodules 2–3 mm–diameter in the mucosa of the small intestine. Histopathologically, numerous mucosal polyps with coccidial oocysts were observed in the small intestine and several schizonts, macrogametocytes, microgametocytes, and macrogametes were observed in mucosal polyps in the jejunum. Based on fecal flotation tests, the oocysts morphologically resembled those of Eimeria christenseni and E. sundarbanensis; however, their sizes were different. The 18S rRNA gene and COI were phylogenetically analyzed for the molecular identification and characterization of Eimeria sp. Based on 18S rRNA gene similarity, the isolates formed an independent cluster within the related goat Eimeria clade, and the closest species were E. christenseni C2_42, E. hirci C2_99, and E. arloingi C2_119. Furthermore, these were also distinguished from other related goat Eimeria spp. in the phylogenetic tree based on the COI gene. Considering all histopathological, morphological, and phylogenetic analyses, the current study was diagnosed as fatal coccidiosis due to heavy infection with an unrecorded Eimeria species. Thus, we report in this study with caution regarding coccidiosis caused by an unrecorded Eimeria.     

The potential use of entomopathogenic nematodesagainst Typhaea stercorea

Four entomopathogenic nematode species, Steinernema carpocapsae, S. feltiae, Heterorhabditis bacteriophoraand H. megidis, were tested in a petri dish assay against larvae and adults of the hairy fungus beetle Typhaea stercorea. In general, adults were less susceptible than larvae and the LC₅₀ decreased with the duration of the exposure to nematodes. S. carpocapsae was the most effective species against adult beetles (LC₅₀ after 96 hours exposure =67 nematodes/adult). Against larvae S.carpocapsae and H. megidis were comparablyeffective with an LC₅₀ of 30 and 55nematodes/larvae, respectively. S. carpocapsaewas tested at 70 and 100% RH against adults in baits of either chicken feed or crushed wheat, both supplemented with horticultural capillary matting pieces in order to obtain a wet weight of 50–60%. At70% RH no significant effect of the nematodes was obtained due to desiccation of the bait. In chickenfeed at 100% RH the mortality reached 80% with 500nematodes/adult. In wheat significant mortality was obtained only at 5000 nematodes/adult. Heavy growth of mould probably limited the nematode infection. When the bait was used in tube traps, desiccation and growth of mould was prevented, but nematode efficacy dropped to 4.4% in the traps and 12% in the surrounding litter. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Seasonal alteration in prevalence and intensity of naturally occurring gastrointestinal helminth infection in goats of New Alluvial zone of West Bengal,India

Parasitic gastroenteritis is one of the major limiting factors for optimum productivity in small ruminants. The present study was carried out to determine the seasonal alteration in prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths (GIH) and intensity of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection in goats of New Alluvial zone (NAZ) of West Bengal. A total of 4320 faecal samples of goats from six different places of NAZ were examined by the standard coprological techniques for the presence of gastrointestinal parasites during January 2014 to December 2015. The meteorological data of the study area were also collected from the Regional Meteorological Station, Kolkata. The prevalence of GIH was recorded as 70.52% and Strongyle (65.18%) group of nematodes was found significantly (p < 0.05) higher than other helminths. Highest (p < 0.05) prevalence (85.11%) as well as intensity of GIN infection (EPG = 640) was observed in monsoon and lowest (p < 0.05) prevalence (60.55%) and intensity (EPG = 340) was recorded in summer. Haemonchus contortus was found to be the predominant GIN species. The observations of the present study both in terms of parasite epidemiology and meteorological data should be utilised for planning strategic control measures against GI helminths in goats of NAZ of West Bengal.     

First report of Eimeria myoxi in the garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus Linnaeus, 1766) from Doñana Natural Area (Andalusia,SW Spain)

This work reports for the first time the presence and molecular characterization of Eimeria myoxi in the garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) from the Doñana Natural Area (Andalusia, SW Spain). Fresh faecal samples were collected from a total of 28 garden dormice, which were caught following current guidelines for the ethical use of animals in research, and processing by a standard flotation technique with saturated saline solution. Then, wet drops were examined microscopically, and the number of oocysts was semi-quantified. Eimeria oocysts were observed in 16 of the 28 (57.1%) faecal samples, showing most of them a very low number of oocysts (≤1 oocyst per microscopic field × 400). The unsporulated oocysts visualized in 16 faecal samples were subspherical and of length 19.2 ± 1.2 μm and width 17.4 ± 1.1 μm, being morphologically compatible with E. myoxi. This finding was supported by molecular analysis of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU-rRNA) gene, identifying the same species in 22 of the 28 (78.6%) dormice, including 15 samples in which oocyst size was compatible with E. myoxi. Moreover, the subsequent analyses of the apicoplast open reading frame 470 (ORF470) and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes confirmed the molecular identification of the isolates as E. myoxi. The phylogeny analyses were consistent with previous phylogenetic studies and support the existence of three lineages of rodent-infecting Eimeria species.     

A New Species of Eimeria from the Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrel, Spermophilus lateralis, in Northern Colorado

Oocysts of Eimeria morainensis n. sp. are described from the golden-mantled ground squirrel, Spermophilus lateralis. in Northern Colorado. The oocysts of E. morainensis are double-walled and subspherical, 20.3 × 19.8 (18.7–26.2 × 17.5–21.2) μm; and the sporocysts are ellipsoid, 12.1 × 6.9 (8.7–13.7 × 6.2–8.7) μm. Oocyst residuum and micropyle are absent, but a polar granule is present. Sporocyst residuum and Stieda body are present. Differences in oocyst characteristics provide the basis for recognition of this new species of Eimeria.